Chris Gobler speaking at the 2025 Sea to Soil Symposium at Stony Brook Southampton.

Stony Brook Southampton FoodLab will host its fourth annual Sea to Soil Symposium on Friday, May 1, bringing together leading voices in science, agriculture and food systems to examine how ocean, soil and human health function as one interconnected system.

The symposium, held from 1 to 5 pm, features Carl Safina, Robin Wall Kimmerer, Christopher Gobler and J.M. Fortier. Together, their work spans coastal ecosystems, regenerative agriculture, nutrient cycles and community health, offering both scientific perspective and practical applications.

Safina, an award-winning author, MacArthur Fellow and endowed professor at Stony Brook University, is the founder of the Safina Center and the author of Beyond Words and Alfie & Me. His work examines the relationship between humans and the natural world, grounding environmental science in both research and lived experience.

Kimmerer, appearing via Zoom, is the author of The New York Times bestselling book Braiding Sweetgrass, which has influenced how broad audiences understand the relationship between people and the natural world. A SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of Environmental Biology and founder and director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment, her work brings together Indigenous knowledge and scientific inquiry.

Gobler, a SUNY Distinguished Professor in Stony Brook University's School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, is a leading coastal scientist whose research focuses on water quality, harmful algal blooms and the health of marine ecosystems. His work has informed policy and restoration efforts across Long Island and beyond, connecting scientific research to real-world environmental solutions.

A farmer, teacher and entrepreneur, Fortier will share insights from his work in small-scale regenerative farming, demonstrating how agricultural practices can be both economically viable and environmentally restorative. A native of Quebec, Canada, Fortier is author of The Market Gardener.

The symposium will take place in Duke Lecture Hall in Chancellor's Hall.

Market Place (11 am - 5 pm, Chancellor's Hall Lobby)

The event will also feature a Market Place that brings together local vendors and informational organizations, highlighting the region's agricultural, environmental, and cultural communities. Participants include the Taste New York stand offering products from local producers, an olive oil vendor, Super Food City with vegan baked goods, the Peconic Land Trust, representatives from the Shinnecock Nation, 1770 Homestead Farm and additional partners.

FoodLab and Marine Science Center Tours (11 am - 1 pm)

A Plant Sale will take place at the FoodLab Farm from 11 am to 1 pm, accompanied by guided tours during that time. Visitors can also explore the university's Marine Sciences Center, which will be open for tours from 11 am to 1 pm, offering a closer look at the coastal research and infrastructure that support Stony Brook Southampton's marine science programs.

Registration for the symposium is required; those placed on a waitlist are encouraged to sign up as space may become available.

Co-sponsors include MDR - Mediterranean Diet Roundtable and the Center for Changing Systems of Power.

2026 Sea to Soil Symposium Speakers

Carl Safina

Carl Safina
Carl Safina is an award-winning author and environmental thinker whose writing explores how humans shape the natural world and our relationship with it. A MacArthur Fellow and Endowed Professor at Stony Brook University, he is the founder of the Safina Center and author of Beyond Words and Alfie & Me.

JM Fortier

JM Fortier
Jean-Martin Fortier is a Québécois farmer, educator, and leading voice in small-scale sustainable agriculture. He co-founded Les Jardins de la Grelinette and is the author of The Market Gardener, sharing practical models for ecological, profitable farming.

Robin Wall Kimmerer

Robin Wall Kimmerer
Robin Wall Kimmerer is a scientist, author, and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation whose work weaves together Indigenous knowledge and ecology. A SUNY Distinguished Professor and MacArthur Fellow, she is best known for Braiding Sweetgrass.

Katie Baldwin and Amanda Merrow

Amber Waves - Katie Baldwin & Amanda Merrow
Katie Baldwin and Amanda Merrow are co-founders of Amber Waves Farm, a leading organic farm in Amagansett focused on soil health, food access, and farmer training. Together, they have built a community-centered model for sustainable agriculture on Long Island.

Christopher Gobler

Christopher Gobler
Christopher Gobler is a professor at Stony Brook University and marine scientist focused on coastal ecosystems and water quality. His research examines harmful algal blooms, ocean acidification, and the impacts of human activity on marine environments.

Manisha Desai

Manisha Desai
Manisha Desai is a professor at Stony Brook University and Executive Director of the Center for Changing Systems of Power. Her work focuses on global justice, transnational feminism, and climate justice movements.

Krista Zvoch

Krista Zvoch
Krista Zvoch is a registered dietitian with over 20 years of experience in clinical and community nutrition. She now specializes in supporting the nutritional needs of older adults, with a focus on improving health and quality of life.